Technical Project Manager AI & Automation

Position Overview: We are looking for a Technical Project Manager – AI & Automation to lead the planning, implementation, and delivery of AI, automation, digital transformation, and smart manufacturing projects.

The ideal candidate will combine strong engineering and technical expertise with proven project management capability. This role requires someone who can understand complex technical solutions, work closely with engineering and digital teams, manage external technology partners, and translate business requirements into practical AI and automation solutions.

The candidate should have a strong background in AI, automation, digital technologies, engineering, and project management, with PMP certification preferred/required.

Key Responsibilities

1. AI & Automation Project Leadership

• Lead end-to-end AI, automation, robotics, and digital transformation projects from concept through implementation.
• Define project scope, objectives, milestones, resources, budget, and success criteria.
• Develop and manage project plans, timelines, risks, dependencies, and deliverables.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and according to agreed quality standards.

2. Technical Solution Management

• Work closely with Engineering, IT, Digital, Operations, Manufacturing, and business teams to identify automation and AI opportunities.
• Translate business problems into technical requirements and project solutions.
• Evaluate AI, automation, robotics, IoT, computer vision, machine learning, and other emerging technologies.
• Challenge and validate technical proposals, architecture, integration approaches, and implementation plans.
• Support Proof of Concept (PoC), pilot, testing, deployment, and scaling of solutions.

3. Smart Manufacturing & Automation

• Lead projects involving areas such as:
• Industrial automation and robotics
• AI/ML applications
• Computer vision
• IoT and connected manufacturing
• MES/MOM integration
• Digital manufacturing
• Predictive maintenance
• Production optimization
• Automated inspection and testing
• Process automation
• Data analytics and AI-driven decision-making

4. Project Governance & Delivery

• Establish project governance, reporting, KPIs, and project review mechanisms.
• Monitor project performance, cost, schedule, quality, and resource utilization.
• Identify and manage technical, operational, financial, and implementation risks.
• Escalate critical issues and provide clear recommendations to senior management.
• Ensure proper documentation, change management, and project closure.

5. Stakeholder & Vendor Management

• Work with senior management and cross-functional stakeholders to align project priorities with business strategy.
• Manage technology vendors, system integrators, consultants, and external partners.
• Evaluate vendor proposals and support technology selection and commercial discussions.
• Build strong collaboration between Engineering, Digital, IT, Operations, and business teams.

6. Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Identify new AI and automation technologies that can improve productivity, quality, cost, and operational efficiency.
• Build a pipeline of AI and automation projects based on business value and ROI.
• Develop scalable solutions that can be replicated across plants/business units.
• Establish lessons learned and best practices for future AI and automation projects.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Technology, Automation, Robotics, or a related technical field.
• PMP certification is required/preferred.
• Minimum 5–8 years of project management experience, preferably in technology, engineering, manufacturing, automation, or digital transformation.
• Strong practical experience in AI, automation, robotics, digital transformation, or smart manufacturing projects.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies, tools, risk management, budgeting, and governance.
• Ability to understand technical architecture, system integration, data flows, and technology implementation.
• Experience managing cross-functional technical teams and external technology partners.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong English communication and presentation skills.

Preferred Technical Knowledge

Experience with several of the following would be highly advantageous:

• AI / Machine Learning
• Generative AI
• Computer Vision
• Robotics / AMR
• Industrial Automation
• PLC / SCADA
• IoT / IIoT
• MES / MOM
• Digital Twin
• Predictive Analytics / Predictive Maintenance
• Data Analytics / Power BI
• Cloud technologies
• API and system integration
• Python or other programming languages
• Industrial communication protocols
• Smart Factory / Industry 4.0

Key Competencies

• Strong technical and engineering mindset
• Project leadership and execution
• AI & digital technology understanding
• Automation and manufacturing knowledge
• Strategic thinking with strong execution capability
• Business and ROI orientation
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Stakeholder management
• Vendor and partner management
• Change management
• Strong communication and influencing skills

Ideal Candidate Profile

Engineering + PMP + AI/Automation + Project Leadership

The ideal candidate is not only a project coordinator. We are looking for a technically strong project leader who can understand engineering and AI/automation solutions, challenge technical teams when required, manage complex implementation projects, and convert technology opportunities into measurable business results.